Issue #131, February 21, 2023

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT MEETING

The Board will hold a special assessment meeting on Monday, February 27 at 9:00 am at Estero Country Club dining room to discuss a special assessment to cover Ian related damage in the amount of $1,951.43.

The next Board meeting will be held Monday, February 27 immediately following the special assessment meeting at Estero Country Club and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to you the Friday before by Pegasus.

Topics for discussion will include:

Security cameras for the railroad tracks

Update on the lake bank restoration and aerator installation

Status of Ian related repairs

Approval of funds requested by Rail to Trail task force

Financial Statements, Board Meeting Minutes, Important Documents & More

The VCA portal on the Pegasus site allows residents to view the above mentioned information as well as much more. Login with your email address and password. If you do not have a password, Pegasus can provide you with one.

Special Assessment

Hurricane Ian took an enormous toll on SW Florida and our little community was no exception. Irma took off our roofs and Ian finished off our aging hedge and entry wall.

The Board will be discussing imposing a special assessment to pay for expenses resulting from Hurricane Ian. Per our governing documents, special assessments do not require a vote by the membership. It is a Board decision, a decision that the board does not take lightly. However, the restoration must be done and the bills must be paid. The Board is exploring ways to reduce the special assessment by utilizing a line of credit, obtaining a loan and dividing the restoration into phases.

The purpose of this assessment is to provide funds to restore the common elements to their pre-Ian condition, therefore, it includes the cost to replace the damaged hedge with a hedge. This is not a decision to install a hedge versus a wall but an acknowledgment that this is the minimum cost to restore our perimeter barrier.

Click on the link below to view Ian damage cost detail.

Your Insurance May Cover Your Loss Assessment

Did you know that your Homeowner's Insurance may reimburse you for storm damaged expenses assessed by your Homeowners or Condo association? Condo policies in Florida are required provide a minimum of $2,000 of coverage with a maximum deductible of $250. Homeowner's policies are not required to include this coverage but most do.The amount of loss assessment coverage listed in your policy is the maximum that will be covered for a single event regardless of how many assessments you receive.

Check your policy for the amount of your Loss Assessment Coverage. This coverage can be added or increased for a small sum to cover future Loss Assessments.

To file a claim contact your insurance company and submit the invoice received from your association.

After Irma insurance companies paid most loss assessment claims without additional detail. We have heard that with Ian loss assessment claims some insurance companies are requesting further detail. If your insurance company requests further information refer them to Ashley Richardson at Pegasus.

FPL Utility Pole Replacement

Last week FPL informed us that they will be replacing utility poles in our area. Their plan is to access the poles from our property on the entire Northside and on the Westside from 19163 to the 19033. As part of their plan they intend to remove 34 12 foot wide sections of hedge in these areas. This will create unsightly and unobstructed views of the campgrounds and neighboring properties.

The VCA has contacted them to see if they can minimize the hedge damage and possibly access poles from neighboring properties. The VCA has begun negotiations for appropriate compensation in the event that the hedge must removed.

While FPL has scheduled this project to begin in late spring their vegetation removal sub-contractor has scheduled their work to begin later this week. The VCA has requested that the vegetation removal for this project be delayed as long as possible.

Trespassers along the Railroad tracks

Several times in recent weeks ATV's and motor cycles have entered our community via the railroad tracks. If you witness such activity please notify the gate or call the Estero Police Department to report the trespassers. VCA is exploring installation of cameras at the tracks.

Exterior Paint Color Palette Discussion

At the January Board meeting several residents questioned the need for a color palette.

It was explained that prior to the adoption of the color palette our ARC Guidelines provided only general guidance for the selection or approval of paint colors. Without a specific list of colors the ARC and the Board must rely upon voluntary compliance. Most gated communities have adopted a color palette to resolve this problem and keep their communities looking fresh and current. The ARC worked with a color expert at Sherwin Williams to develop a color palette for home exteriors on Vintage Trace.

Homeowners may choose a different brand of paint as long as it is color matched to the approved palette. If homeowners are touching up their homes (painting less than 20% of the surface area) they may use their existing color. If they are repainting (over 20% of the surface area) they must select trim, body and door colors from the combinations as specified in the palette.

The ARC will not approve exceptions to the palette, however, colors may be added to or deleted from the palette as trends evolve. Homeowners may suggest palette revisions but please note that the process takes time and will include consultation with a color expert.

Please note that an ARC form and prior approval also be obtained before painting begins! Failure to do so could result in a fine.

Slow Down! The speed limit is 23 mph.

Do you want to know what is happening in Estero? Do you want to get involved? Click on the link below to learn more about Engage Estero and its mission and its impact on the development of Estero click on the link below.

Village of Estero

https://estero-fl.gov

Your Councilmember is

Jon McClain

mclain@estero-fl.gov

239-221-5035

Non-emergency police:

239-477-1200

Hurricane hotline:

877-769-3272

The Vines Community Association is managed by:

Pegasus Property Mgt.,

8840 Terrene Ct.

Bonita Springs, FL 34135

239-454-8568